Radon “The Unwanted House Guest”: Risks, Testing & Mitigation in Minnesota
What Twin Cities homeowners need to know about radon, its health risks, and protecting their homes.
You can't see it, smell it, or taste it, but it could be lurking inside your home. Radon is an invisible, radioactive gas that can accumulate indoors without any obvious warning signs. And here in Minnesota, it's a concern homeowners shouldn't ignore.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), more than 2 in 5 Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a significant health risk. Whether you're purchasing your first home, preparing to sell, or have lived in the same house for decades, understanding radon is an important part of protecting your home and your health.
why is radon such a concern in minnesota?
Minnesota's geology and cold climate contribute to some of the highest indoor radon concentrations in the country. During colder months, homes are typically closed up and heating systems can create pressure differences that draw radon-containing soil gases indoors.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health:
More than 40% of Minnesota homes have radon levels that pose a significant health risk.
Minnesota's average indoor radon level is more than three times the national average (4.2 pCi/L vs. 1.3 pCi/L).
Radon can affect homes throughout the state, including Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding Twin Cities metro.
Living in a newer home or having a neighbor with low radon levels doesn't mean your home is protected.
Radon Is the Second-Leading Cause of Lung Cancer
Radon isn't just a real estate concern. It's a serious health hazard.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States, behind smoking, and the leading cause among people who have never smoked. The EPA estimates that radon exposure contributes to approximately 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States.
The risk comes from breathing radioactive particles released as radon decays. Over time, these particles can damage lung tissue and increase the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Because radon exposure typically produces no immediate symptoms, homeowners may be unaware of elevated concentrations for years.
Understanding Radon Test Results
Radon is measured in picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L). The EPA recommends the following guidelines:
Radon Level | Recommended Action |
Below 2.0 pCi/L | Lower risk, but no level is completely risk-free. |
2.0–3.9 pCi/L | Consider taking steps to reduce radon levels. |
4.0 pCi/L or higher | Take action to reduce radon levels. |
The goal is always to reduce radon exposure as much as reasonably possible.
Buying or Selling a Home? Know Minnesota's Radon Disclosure Law
Since January 1, 2014, Minnesota's Radon Awareness Act has required sellers to provide important radon-related information to prospective buyers.
Before signing a purchase agreement, sellers generally must disclose any knowledge they have of radon concentrations in the home, including previous test results and information about any radon mitigation system that has been installed. Sellers must also provide a radon warning statement and the Minnesota Department of Health's Radon in Real Estate Transactions publication.
Important: Minnesota law does not require every home to undergo radon testing or mitigation before it can be sold. However, the Minnesota Department of Health strongly recommends radon testing during real estate transactions.
For buyers, testing before closing can provide valuable information and an opportunity to discuss mitigation options with the seller.
How Do You Test a Home for Radon?
Testing is the only reliable way to determine whether your home has elevated radon levels.
During real estate transactions, professional short-term testing is commonly performed using a Continuous Radon Monitor (CRM). These devices measure radon concentrations over a minimum testing period of 48 hours, with results available after the test is completed and the data is reviewed.
For homeowners who aren't working within a real estate deadline, long-term testing can provide a more representative picture of radon exposure throughout the year. The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing every home, regardless of age, location, or foundation type.
What Happens If Your Home Has High Radon Levels?
The good news? Elevated radon levels can usually be significantly reduced with a properly designed mitigation system.
The most common approach uses a specialized fan and piping system to draw radon-containing soil gases from beneath the home's foundation and safely vent them outdoors before they enter the living space. The appropriate system depends on the home's foundation, construction, and other conditions.
According to the Minnesota Department of Health, radon mitigation systems generally cost between $1,500 and $3,000, although actual installation costs vary depending on the property and system requirements. After installation, follow-up testing is essential to verify that radon concentrations have been reduced.
Don't Let Radon Be Your Unwanted Houseguest
Radon may be invisible, but protecting your home doesn't have to be complicated.
Whether you're buying, selling, or simply want peace of mind, professional radon testing is an important step toward understanding your home's indoor air quality.
At RC Fields Home Inspection & Radon Services, we help homeowners and homebuyers throughout the Twin Cities metro better understand their properties through professional radon testing and mitigation services.
Concerned about radon in your home?
Contact RC Fields to learn more about radon testing and mitigation options.
Call 612-568-1234
Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding Twin Cities communities.
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